Celestron SPC 102

Subject: Re: vote by xxx.xxx.115.137
By: Anonymous (xxx.xxx.0.185)
Date: 09/05/2003 10:59:05 pm PDT
>Just recently picked up a used GP-C102 OTA used on Ebay. I always wanted one of these Vixen made achromats, and had just recently the newer Chinese version which in itself was a very good scope. But this thing is unbelievable. Yes it has false color, it is a short focal length 4" refractor, so it was expected. What wasn't expected was how the images just snap into focus-no guessing here when I reach the best focus. The images I have seen of Jupiter and Saturn have been unreal, never expected these contrasty, very sharp images from a 4" scope. I presently have it mounted on a SP mount, using the 114mm rings intended for the 4.7" skywatcher. That brings me to the size of the scope, it is big, looking like the 4.7" scope in size, much heftier then the C102HD synta version scope. The focuser is very smooth, with a beautiful chrome plated focuser tube, and an all metal objective cell. This is a real performer, I finally got one, and won't ever let this baby go. Bob Midiri

Reply: I'll put my two cents in. I got the SPC-102 in 1992 and have been happy with it. I have taken it completely apart and sprayed Krylon UltraFlat Black throughout the tube and within the focuser. This thing has several baffles including some in the focuser tube. Images are very sharp. There is some color fringing, but this can be tamed by a #8 Yellow filter. Venus, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter and the moon are fine. I can see the crepe ring on Saturn, but the image is too dim for that rich Saturn look that we all love. Double Stars are resolved to the limit of aperture and seeing. Antares is a treat, as well as Sigma Cygni. At a dark site with a medium power this scope shows pinpoint stars across a black field, though it's no apo. There is little color in stars dimmer that magnitude 2 or so. I once thought of selling this, but it is a quality Japanese scope, and the new Celestron refractors don't match the craftsmanship. The mount is good, but does vibrate a little. Viewing objects at the zenith are tough. Mars shows considerable detail. If you get one of these, you should probably hang on to it....How can I justify getting the Tak 102 ?? I don't want to part with this, but I have five scopes already !!!!!!!! Charles

Subject: SPC 102
By: Bigredjet
Date: 11/06/2005 01:28:20 am PDT
.........Posted my orignal vote back in March, just wanted to update.Just finished viewing Mars, now as close as it will get until 2018____and once again I am simply amazed at what this baby can do!The detail visible at 200X has to be experienced to be believed!It is hard to believe that a 4" achromatic refractor can give these kind of views.Horsehead Nebula in Orion, simply fantastic at 300X!This scope has got to be the best buy out there_as one other voter stated, if you get a chance to pick one up on the internet...go for it,you will not be disappointed _____this scope is a "lifetime keeper"!